**Concert Review: Berzerkus Festival - A Wild and Raucous Ride**
- Scott Kucharski
- Sep 17, 2024
- 3 min read
The brainchild of Black Label Society frontman, Zakk Wylde, Berzerkus roared in the Pocono Mountains.
This past weekend, the inaugural *Berzerkus Festival* made its thunderous debut at Poconos Park in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. The event, organized by Black Label Society frontman and guitar hero Zakk Wylde, was a one-of-a-kind experience that brought together a mix of high-octane music, gritty competitions, and biker culture, all set against the backdrop of a storied venue.
For the loyal “Berzerkers” — the devoted fanbase of Wylde’s Black Label Society — this was more than just a festival; it was a pilgrimage. With top-notch acts like Black Stone Cherry, Rival Sons, Clutch, and Cody Jinks on the lineup, the excitement was palpable from the start.
But Berzerkus wasn’t just about the music — it also featured a car show, a beer garden, strongman competitions, arm wrestling matches, eating contests, and even a motorcycle ride to honor the late, great Dimebag Darrell of Pantera fame. For good measure, a few spontaneous weddings also took place, adding to the festival’s eclectic atmosphere.
The festival’s setting, Poconos Park, once known as “Unity House,” is a venue steeped in history. Ownded in the 1920s by the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union (ILGWU), the resort was a hub of labor values and solidarity, frequented by influential figures like Eleanor Roosevelt. Now, transformed into an expansive outdoor venue with lush lawns, VIP lounges, and a private lake, it provided the perfect landscape for Berzerkus.
As the afternoon activities wound down, the real action moved to the main stage, where the evening’s performances kicked off with a fiery set from Rival Sons.
The California blues rockers delivered a powerful 40-minute set, showcasing their impressive musicianship and keeping fans on their feet with hits from their extensive discography. Their mix of soulful blues and rock was the perfect primer for what was to come.
Next up were *Clutch*, the stoner rock titans from Maryland, who upped the energy with their signature groove-laden sound.
Frontman Neil Fallon commanded the stage as the crowd, decked out in their black leather BLS vests, roared with approval. By this point, the festival had reached a fever pitch — and the stage was set for the night’s heavy metal headliners.
When *Black Label Society* hit the stage, the anticipation in the air was electric. As the curtain dropped, Zakk Wylde — clad in his iconic biker vest, plaid kilt, and leather boots — launched into an epic set of blistering riffs and headbanging anthems.
The band delivered all the metal hits fans could have hoped for, with Wylde shredding his way through the night like the seasoned guitar god he is. This was, without a doubt, the highlight of the day for the Berzerkers, who reveled in the chaos and energy of their hero’s performance.
As the band took their bows and tossed drumsticks and picks into the crowd, there was a noticeable exodus of fans. It was clear that many had come primarily for Black Label Society, and one couldn’t help but wonder if anyone could follow such an intense set.
Enter *Cody Jinks*. Though many fans had left, those who stayed were treated to an unexpected surprise. Jinks, a former thrash metal vocalist turned outlaw country star, closed the festival in grand style.
With his name in neon lights and a stage set that resembled an old west saloon, Jinks brought a massive production to the stage. He joked with the crowd about how tough it was to follow Wylde, but with a stellar backing band and his gritty, authentic style, he more than held his own. The set’s high point came when Wylde himself joined Jinks for a spirited cover of AC/DC’s “It’s A Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock and Roll),” a fitting end to an unforgettable festival.
For those who stuck around for the entire day, Berzerkus “Volume I” was nothing short of epic. From the debauchery-filled daytime events to the hard-hitting performances at night, the festival’s first edition was a smashing success. Zakk Wylde has set the bar high with this inaugural event, and fans are already eagerly awaiting what Berzerkus has in store for the future.
If this was just the beginning, we can only imagine what madness lies ahead for Berzerkus Volume II and beyond.
Check out a few fan videos from the night:
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